The president of Cuba, Raúl Castro, will be in Russia by end of January upon the invitation of Dimitri Medvedev. This official call marks the first visit of a Cuban leader since the Cold War ended with the fall of the USSR. Russia was Cuba’s main ally for decades, being one of the Marxist centers in the world. The Cuban leader is said to be meeting with Russian authorities to formalize some agreements, especially with Vladimir Putin.

Russia is the third country to visit the Cuban president after his election to office, next to Venezuela and Brazil. During Russia’s visit, both presidents agreed to improve the relations between their two countries, as well as sign some mutual agreements. Military and technical cooperation with Cuba is an important component of the partnership which is meant to reinforce Cuba’s defenses.

Cuba has remained as one of Russia’s key partners in Latin America. The Russian Foreign Minister has requested US President Barack Obama to lift the 46-year-old trade embargo by the US against communist-ruled Cuba. With Obama’s foreign policy that wants to make friends with old US enemies, this lifting of the embargo might just be a reality. Not immediately, however, as political ideologies are stronger than sense of gratitude. Cubans championed Obama during the election campaign. In return, Obama promised that he will allow unlimited family travel and financial remittances to the communist island, but will retain the economic embargo.

It seems that the old players are at play again.

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Via Pravda